Retford martial artists win gold medals at festival in Darlington

A group of Retford martial artists were selected to take part in a festival in Darlington on Sunday.

The Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy students travelled north with instructors Andrew Blinston and Rachel Blinston to compete in five events.

Lynx Black Belt Leadership Academy, Retford

Martial artists were entered into individual poomsae, one step sparring, self defence, flying side kick and a team event.

Students from all over the country gathered, as the Lynx squad represented their home town for the first time in an external competition.

They were carefully selected by their coaches, due to their unique talents.

Andrew Blinston said: “It has not been an easy process, students have had to train above and beyond their own expectations and their parents have also committed in a huge way.”

Lynx Students were competing against competitors from Paris, Ireland, Scotland, Blackpool, Liverpool and Darlington.

An impressive five gold medals came home to Bassetlaw, courtesy of black belts Rhio Blinston, Millicent Morgan and Hannah Downs for patterns/poomes, and adult Neil Newell for individual coloured belt pattern and flying side kick.

Students at the academy have also been given the opportunity to travel to Korea in November, to train with Grand Master Kim Yong Ho 9th Dan at his new training centre.

The prestigious training course will attract students from all over the world.